Franco Buccella

Furnace operator at the hot strip mill

I started in 1981 as a production operator at the wire mill. I then worked as a mechanic at the cold rolling mill. Since 2000, I have been working as a production operator at the hot strip mill, initially at the Quarto sheet mill and subsequently at the reheating furnaces.

My job involves monitoring the slabs from the time of furnace charging until they are removed from the furnace. This job requires technical knowledge as the time required in the furnace depends on the quality of the products. I was trained on the job by the staff. I have the opportunity to learn and to continue developing my skills.

I enjoy teamwork. We are a little like a family. There is a good rapport within the team. We always communicate. We discuss the anomalies encountered as any problems have repercussions for the entire chain. We have a close relationship with the management. We have a good relationship and we feel that our concerns and comments are heard.